* The Rapture comes
next. Just before the Rapture, we might expect some kind of a warning that Jesus
is now returning to rapture "His" people. It may be a warning that
only some will recognize.
It will be too late for those that are not watching and ready.
God’s Word admonishes us, Heb 10:35-38-CAST NOT AWAY THEREFORE
YOUR CONFIDENCE, WHICH HATH GREAT RECOMPENSE OF REWARD. FOR YE HAVE NEED OF
PATIENCE, THAT, AFTER YE HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD, YE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE.
FOR YET A LITTLE WHILE, AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME, AND WILL NOT TARRY.
NOW THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH: BUT IF ANY MAN DRAW BACK, MY SOUL SHALL HAVE
NO PLEASURE IN HIM.Mt 25:1-13-THEN SHALL THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BE LIKENED
UNTO (or comparable to) TEN VIRGINS, WHICH TOOK THEIR LAMPS, AND WENT FORTH
TO MEET THE BRIDEGROOM.
Mt 25:2-AND FIVE OF THEM WERE WISE, AND FIVE WERE FOOLISH.
Mt 25:3-THEY THAT WERE FOOLISH TOOK THEIR LAMPS, AND TOOK
NO OIL WITH THEM:
Mt 25:4-BUT THE WISE TOOK OIL IN THEIR VESSELS (or jars,
or flasks along) WITH THEIR LAMPS.
Mt 25:5-WHILE THE BRIDEGROOM TARRIED (or was a long time
in coming-NIV) (or was delaying, or was late), THEY ALL SLUMBERED (or got drowsy)
AND SLEPT (or began to sleep).
Mt 25:6-AND AT MIDNIGHT THERE WAS A CRY (or shout) MADE,
BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH; GO (come) YE OUT TO MEET HIM.
Mt 25:7-THEN ALL THOSE VIRGINS (woke up) AROSE, AND TRIMMED
(or prepared) THEIR LAMPS.
Mt 25:8-AND THE FOOLISH (ones) SAID UNTO THE WISE, GIVE US
(some) OF YOUR OIL; FOR OUR LAMPS ARE GONE OUT.
Mt 25:9-BUT THE WISE ANSWERED, SAYING, NOT SO (no); LEST
THERE BE NOT ENOUGH FOR (both) US AND YOU: BUT GO YE RATHER TO THEM THAT SELL
(the dealers), AND BUY (some) FOR YOURSELVES.
Mt 25:10-AND WHILE THEY WENT (on their way) TO BUY (to make
the purchase), THE BRIDEGROOM CAME (or arrived); AND THEY THAT WERE READY WENT
IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE (or wedding, or wedding banquet, or feast): AND
THE DOOR WAS SHUT.
Mt 25:11-AFTERWARD (or later) CAME ALSO THE OTHER VIRGINS,
SAYING, LORD, LORD, OPEN (the door) TO US (let us in).
Mt 25:12-BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, VERILY (or indeed) I SAY
UNTO YOU (I tell you the truth-NIV), I KNOW YOU NOT (I do not know you-NASB).
Mt 25:13-WATCH THEREFORE (keep watch) (be on the alert),
FOR YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH.
Mt 25:1-THEN SHALL THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BE LIKENED UNTO
(or comparable to) TEN VIRGINS, WHICH TOOK THEIR LAMPS, AND WENT FORTH TO MEET
THE BRIDEGROOM. Note the beginning words, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Then it continues
BE LIKENED UNTO. The ten virgins represent ten Christians. These are ten people
that believe in Jesus. They had lamps, and their lamps were burning. They went
forth to meet the Bridegroom. All ten were waiting for the return of Jesus Christ
to come for them.
Mt 25:2-AND FIVE OF THEM WERE WISE, AND FIVE WERE FOOLISH.
The next verse defines the difference between being wise and foolish.
Mt 25:3-THEY THAT WERE FOOLISH TOOK THEIR LAMPS, AND TOOK
NO OIL WITH THEM. These had oil in their lamps, but they failed to take extra
oil in their jars. The oil represents the Holy Spirit, which can be illustrated
in the lamps that burn in the tabernacle and in the temple. These were not prepared
to wait a long, long time for their Bridegroom to come and take them.
Mt 25:4-BUT THE WISE TOOK OIL IN THEIR VESSELS (or jars,
or flasks along) WITH THEIR LAMPS. The wise had oil in their lamps and also
took additional oil in their jars. These were prepared to wait as long as it
would take, till the Bridegroom would come and take them away. They knew what
to expect. They made the needed preparations. They were prepared to replenish
their lamps as needed. The foolish did not prepare. They did not know what to
expect. They were not prepared for the long wait and all that might go along
with it. Their root withered away.
Mt 25:5-WHILE THE BRIDEGROOM TARRIED, THEY ALL SLUMBERED
AND SLEPT. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy
and fell asleep-NIV. The Bridegroom was a long time in coming, and, indeed,
the church has now been waiting for the Bridegroom for nearly 2000 years. We
see pictured here the church age that will see the return of Jesus to take His
bride away. All ten virgins became tired and fell asleep.
Mt 25:6-AND AT MIDNIGHT THERE WAS A CRY (or shout) MADE,
BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH (or here’s the bridegroom); GO (come) YE OUT TO
MEET HIM. Here is the warning that the Bridegroom is about to arrive. Here is
the warning that the Rapture is about to happen. From this warning, we may note,
that just prior to the Rapture actually happening, there will be some kind of
a cry, or a warning, so that all the virgins will know the time, for the Bridegroom
to carry His bride away, is at hand. The cry was made at midnight. Some might
consider this indicates the cry just before the Rapture may happen at midnight,
Israeli time.
When the bridegroom (in the Jewish marriage of olden times)
was returning for his bride, a shout would let her know that he was arriving.
He had made a contract for her some time before. He had then gone away to prepare
a place for her. Once his father approved the bridal chamber, he would then
give permission to go and fetch his bride, who had been patiently waiting for
him. Now the bridegroom anxiously returns for her. She has made herself ready.
She always kept oil in her lamp, for she was never quite sure when her bridegroom
would return. It might be at night, so she had to be ready. There would be a
"shout" or warning that the bridegroom was coming, just before he
would enter to take her away to the dwelling place he had prepared for her.
In this last generation of time, true born-again Christians
should be anxiously awaiting for the "shout," which signals that the
Bridegroom is arriving to "snatch" us away. Through all the signs
and prophecies that God’s Word has given, we "know" that it is near,
even at the door.
Mt 25:7-THEN ALL THOSE VIRGINS (woke up) AROSE, AND TRIMMED
(or prepared) THEIR LAMPS.
Mt 25:8-AND THE FOOLISH SAID UNTO THE WISE, GIVE US (some)
OF YOUR OIL; FOR OUR LAMPS ARE GONE OUT. It appears up to this time that either
the foolish virgins did not realize their lamps had gone out, or they just did
not care, as the bridegroom tarried.
Here is a picture of five foolish Christians. They believed
in Jesus. Their lamp was burning. They had oil. They were a light for Jesus,
but, as time passed, they ran out of oil. As time passed, their lamps faded
and then went out. We might say that in the time of testing, they fell away.
Perhaps, they became lukewarm as a result of all the deceptive, lukewarm preaching.
The foolish virgins, or foolish Christians, now realize that
their lamp went out. The foolish virgins still believed in Jesus, but their
flame had become cold. Their love for Jesus had become cold. Though they did
believe in the Rapture, it caught them by surprise. They realized they were
not ready to meet Jesus. He had come as a thief in the night to them. They were
not truly expecting in their heart that He would come when He did. They were
unprepared.
The wise virgins, even though they had fallen asleep, still
had oil in reserve. Their lamps, or light for Jesus, did not go out.
But now, the foolish Christians turn to them for oil.
Mt 25:9-BUT THE WISE ANSWERED, SAYING, NOT SO (no); LEST
THERE BE NOT ENOUGH FOR (both) US AND YOU: BUT GO YE RATHER TO THEM THAT SELL
(the dealers), AND BUY (some) FOR YOURSELVES. It is interesting to note, the
wise virgins thought that they did not have enough oil for both themselves and
the foolish virgins. They told the foolish virgins to go to them that sell.
Was the supply of oil that the wise virgins had running low in this lukewarm
age of falling away?
Did the foolish virgins go to their preacher to get oil?
Note the words, BUY FOR YOURSELVES. It might be difficult to buy oil at midnight.
The Holy Spirit cannot be shared. The Holy Spirit regenerates each person individually.
These Christians were not ready. They didn’t understand that once the shout
had gone out, it was too late. They couldn’t be saved and taken in the Rapture.
Yet, in this short span, from the time of the "shout" to the time
Jesus will return, they will try in vain to get ready; however, it is too late.
(Note, there is no indication in this parable of a great revival waking up the
church before the Rapture.)
Mt 25:10-AND WHILE THEY WENT (on their way) TO BUY (to make
the purchase), THE BRIDEGROOM CAME (or arrived); AND THEY (the virgins) THAT
WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE (or wedding, or wedding banquet,
or feast): AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT.
The foolish virgins depart to go buy more oil. It appears,
as we will see, that they went to the blind leaders of the blind, or a "different
Jesus." They did not know how to get saved. They were blind.
And while they were gone, Jesus came. All those wise Christians
that were ready, whose lamps had not gone out, were raptured and went to the
marriage.
Mt 25:11-AFTERWARD (or later) CAME ALSO THE OTHER VIRGINS,
SAYING, LORD, LORD, OPEN (the door) TO US (let us in). Now the foolish virgins
return. To whom had they gone? They could not have gone to born-again preachers,
as the born-again preachers would have been raptured. They seemingly went to
the blind leaders of the blind. Apparently, they could not recognize the difference.
It appears, they now think they got saved. They think they now have oil, as
they say, LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US. They seem to say, "Jesus, we have accepted
You as our Savior." There is a difference between accepting Jesus and "receiving"
Him, as the KJV states. Seldom do ministers preach "will Jesus accept us?"
in this Laodicean age. We appear to have a picture of five foolish Christians
that are terrified. They recognized that the Rapture had happened. They recognized
that they had been left behind. They are pleading, OPEN TO US—but it is too
late. We might also conclude from this that once the cry is made, just before
the Rapture occurs, from that point on, no one will get saved. None of the foolish
virgins were able to get saved, even though they tried.
Mt 25:12-BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, VERILY (or indeed) I SAY
UNTO YOU (I tell you the truth-NIV), I KNOW YOU NOT (I do not know you-NASB).
The terrifying message comes forth, I KNOW YOU NOT. They now face the Tribulation,
but will they survive?
There are many foolish virgins in this last generation that
will be left behind when the Rapture comes. They may be screaming, "No,
Jesus, don’t leave me!" We may note, only those that were "ready"
were taken.
Mt 25:13-WATCH THEREFORE (keep watch) (be on the alert),
FOR YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH. Jesus
continues in His message to the five foolish virgins whose lamps went out. He
tells them and all the foolish virgins, WATCH THEREFORE. These did not watch.
Then the second message to the foolish, YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR
WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH. The foolish are not watching. They do not understand.
They are not ready. They do not know the day or hour. Clearly, this message
is to all the foolish virgins to watch and be ready; then they should understand.
There is a clear message here. A person can believe on Jesus.
They can believe that the Rapture will come. Their light can be burning, but
it can go out. If Jesus comes and finds them not ready, they will be left behind.
(Note, there are some that relate this parable to the second coming of Jesus
at Armageddon.)
The Rapture will be a great joy for the saved, but a "horror"
for the unsaved. For the unsaved, death and the lake of fire lies ahead for
most. However, some will get saved during the Tribulation, but they will go
through such a horrible time that words cannot adequately describe it. Death
by decapitation lies ahead for most that do.

Lk
13:23-27-THEN SAID ONE UNTO HIM, LORD, ARE THERE (just a) FEW (people) THAT
(are…going to) BE SAVED? AND HE SAID UNTO THEM,
Lk 13:24-STRIVE (or struggle) TO ENTER (make every effort
to enter) IN AT THE STRAIT GATE (or narrow door): FOR MANY, I SAY UNTO YOU,
WILL SEEK (or try, or will be demanding) TO ENTER IN, AND SHALL NOT BE ABLE
(to).
Lk 13:25-WHEN ONCE THE MASTER (or owner) OF THE HOUSE IS
RISEN UP, AND HATH SHUT TO (or closes) THE DOOR, AND YE BEGIN TO STAND WITHOUT
(outside), AND TO KNOCK AT THE DOOR, SAYING (or pleading), LORD, LORD, OPEN
(up) UNTO US (the door); AND HE SHALL ANSWER AND SAY UNTO YOU, I KNOW YOU NOT
WHENCE YE ARE (from) (I don’t know you):
Lk 13:26-THEN SHALL YE BEGIN TO SAY, WE HAVE EATEN AND DRUNK
IN THY PRESENCE (with You), AND THOU HAST TAUGHT IN OUR STREETS.
Lk 13:27-BUT HE SHALL SAY, I TELL YOU, I KNOW YOU NOT WHENCE
YE ARE (from) (I don’t know you); DEPART (get away) FROM ME, ALL YE WORKERS
OF INIQUITY (or wickedness, or evildoers).

BUT
NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD, AND BECOME THE FIRSTFRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEPT.
FOR SINCE BY MAN CAME DEATH, BY MAN CAME ALSO THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD.
FOR AS IN ADAM ALL DIE, EVEN SO IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE. BUT EVERY
MAN IN HIS OWN ORDER: CHRIST THE FIRSTFRUITS; AFTERWARD THEY THAT ARE CHRIST’S
AT HIS COMING-1 Cor 15:20-23.
So the saints are to be LOOKING (or watching) FOR THAT BLESSED
HOPE, AND THE GLORIOUS APPEARING OF THE GREAT GOD AND OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST-Titus
2:13. They are to look, in other words, for the Rapture. In looking for the
blessed hope, the saints are to COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS-1 Thes
4:18.

And
the saints are to be patient, as it is written, BE PATIENT THEREFORE, BRETHREN,
UNTO THE COMING OF THE LORD. BEHOLD, THE HUSBANDMAN (which is Jesus) WAITETH
FOR THE PRECIOUS FRUIT OF THE EARTH (which is the saints), AND HATH LONG PATIENCE
FOR IT, UNTIL HE RECEIVE THE EARLY AND LATTER (or autumn and spring) RAIN. BE
YE ALSO PATIENT; STABLISH YOUR HEARTS (stand firm): FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD
DRAWETH NIGH (or is near)-Ja 5:7,8.

The
saints are to WATCH...AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE
ALL THESE THINGS (the things of the Tribulation)-Lk 21:36. (The saints are not
to) SLEEP, AS DO OTHERS; BUT LET US WATCH-1 Thes 5:6. The Bible warns, IF...THOU
SHALT NOT WATCH, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF, AND THOU SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT
HOUR I WILL COME UPON THEE-Rev 3:3. But BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS, WHOM THE
LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND WATCHING-Lk 12:37; because UNTO THEM THAT LOOK
FOR HIM SHALL HE APPEAR THE SECOND TIME-Heb 9:28. For the saints are to BE...READY-Lk
12:40.

And
when certain signs and prophecies BEGIN TO COME TO PASS, the saints are to LOOK
UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS; FOR YOUR REDEMPTION (or your being caught up) DRAWETH
NIGH-Lk 21:28. And when the Lord does come to take His people, BLESSED IS THAT
SERVANT, WHOM HIS LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND SO DOING (which is denoting
working for or serving God)-Lk 12:43. For there is a day coming when NO MAN
CAN WORK-Jn 9:4. For those saints that have kept God’s Word, the Lord promises,
I ALSO WILL KEEP THEE FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION (which is the Tribulation),
WHICH SHALL COME UPON ALL THE WORLD, TO TRY THEM THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH-Rev
3:10. For God cannot allow the Tribulation to come forth until He removes "His"
people. As it is written, HASTE THEE, ESCAPE THITHER; FOR I CANNOT DO ANY THING
TILL THOU BE COME THITHER-Gen 19:22.

(For)
BEHOLD, I SHOW YOU A MYSTERY-1 Cor 15:51. AT MIDNIGHT-Mt 25:6; IN THE DAY OF
CHRIST-Phili 1:10, 2:16; 2 Thes 2:2; IN THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST-Phili 1:6; IN
THE DAY OF THE LORD JESUS-1 Cor 5:5; 2 Cor 1:14; IN THE DAY OF REDEMPTION-Eph
4:30; THERE WAS A CRY MADE-Mt 25:6; (There was) A SHOUT, WITH THE VOICE OF THE
ARCHANGEL-1 Thes 4:16; BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH; GO (come) YE OUT TO MEET
HIM-Mt 25:6.
THEN ALL THOSE VIRGINS AROSE (or woke up), AND TRIMMED (or
prepared) THEIR LAMPS. AND THE FOOLISH SAID UNTO THE WISE, GIVE US (some) OF
YOUR OIL; FOR OUR LAMPS ARE GONE OUT. BUT THE WISE ANSWERED, SAYING, NOT SO
(no); LEST THERE BE NOT ENOUGH FOR (both) US AND YOU: BUT GO YE RATHER TO THEM
THAT SELL (the dealers), AND BUY (some) FOR YOURSELVES. AND WHILE THEY WENT
(on their way) TO BUY (to make the purchase), THE BRIDEGROOM CAME (or arrived)-Mt
25:7-10. FOR THIS WE SAY UNTO YOU...THAT WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN UNTO
THE COMING OF THE LORD SHALL NOT PREVENT THEM WHICH ARE ASLEEP-1 Thes 4:15.

(Listen),
WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP (or die)-ref 1 Cor 15:51; FOR THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL
DESCEND FROM HEAVEN WITH...THE TRUMP OF GOD-1 Thes 4:16; (and) IN A MOMENT,
IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE, AT THE LAST TRUMP-1 Cor 15:52; (ref Num 10); FOR
THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND-1 Cor 15:52; and THE LORD…WILL…RAISE UP US BY HIS OWN
POWER-1 Cor 6:14; God SHALL RAISE UP US ALSO BY JESUS-2 Cor 4:14. AND THE DEAD
IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST-1 Thes 4:16; AND THE DEAD SHALL BE RAISED INCORRUPTIBLE-1
Cor 15:52; (for) GOD WILL REDEEM MY SOUL FROM THE POWER OF THE GRAVE: FOR HE
SHALL RECEIVE ME-Ps 49:15. VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU (the truth), THE HOUR
IS COMING, AND NOW IS, WHEN THE DEAD SHALL HEAR THE VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD:
AND THEY THAT HEAR SHALL LIVE. MARVEL NOT (or do not be amazed) AT THIS: FOR
THE HOUR IS COMING, IN THE WHICH ALL THAT ARE IN THE GRAVES SHALL HEAR HIS VOICE,
AND SHALL COME FORTH (or come out); THEY THAT HAVE DONE GOOD, UNTO THE RESURRECTION
OF LIFE (or will rise to live)-Jn 5:25,28,29.
As it is written, THY DEAD MEN SHALL LIVE...THEY ARISE...THE
EARTH SHALL CAST OUT THE DEAD-Isa 26:19; and WE SHALL…LIVE WITH HIM-2 Tim 2:11.
NOW THAT THE DEAD ARE RAISED, EVEN MOSES SHEWED AT THE BUSH,
WHEN HE CALLETH THE LORD THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD
OF JACOB-Lk 20:37.
COME, MY PEOPLE...UNTIL THE INDIGNATION (which is the Tribulation)
BE OVERPAST. FOR, BEHOLD, THE LORD COMETH OUT OF HIS PLACE TO PUNISH THE INHABITANTS
OF THE EARTH FOR THEIR INIQUITY-Isa 26:20,21.

Then, of the saints which are alive, it is written, AND THE FIRST VOICE WHICH
I HEARD WAS AS IT WERE OF A TRUMPET TALKING WITH ME; WHICH SAID, COME UP HITHER-Rev
4:1. THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP-1 Thes 4:17; (then
we shall be caught up) TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS, TO MEET THE LORD IN
THE AIR-1 Thes 4:17; (we shall be gathered) TOGETHER UNTO HIM-2 Thes 2:1; the
saints will be raised up AT THE LAST DAY-Jn 6:40; ref 6:39,44,54. And the Lord
will receive the saints, so that WHERE Jesus is, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO-Jn 14:3;
AND SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD-1 Thes 4:17; (and) I LOOKED, AND, BEHOLD,
A DOOR WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN-Rev 4:1.
(And this know, that they which) WERE READY WENT IN WITH
HIM TO THE MARRIAGE (or wedding, or wedding banquet, or feast): AND THE DOOR
WAS SHUT-Mt 25:10.
THEN SHALL TWO BE IN THE FIELD; THE ONE SHALL BE TAKEN, AND
THE OTHER LEFT. TWO WOMEN SHALL BE GRINDING AT THE MILL; THE ONE SHALL BE TAKEN,
AND THE OTHER LEFT-Mt 24:40,41.
I TELL YOU, IN THAT NIGHT THERE SHALL BE TWO MEN IN ONE BED;
THE ONE SHALL BE TAKEN, AND THE OTHER SHALL BE LEFT. TWO WOMEN SHALL BE GRINDING
TOGETHER; THE ONE SHALL BE TAKEN, AND THE OTHER LEFT. TWO MEN SHALL BE IN THE
FIELD; THE ONE SHALL BE TAKEN, AND THE OTHER LEFT-Lk 17:34-36. THEY ASKED HIM,
"WHERE, LORD?" HE ANSWERED, "WHEREVER THERE'S A DEAD BODY, THAT'S
WHERE THE VULTURES GATHER."-Lk 17:37 JNT.31

BELOVED, NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF GOD, AND IT DOTH NOT YET APPEAR WHAT WE SHALL
BE-1 Jn 3:2. At the time of the Rapture (in the twinkling of an eye), WE SHALL
BE CHANGED. FOR THIS CORRUPTIBLE MUST PUT ON INCORRUPTION, AND THIS MORTAL MUST
PUT ON IMMORTALITY-1 Cor 15:52,53; (because) FLESH AND BLOOD CANNOT INHERIT
THE KINGDOM OF GOD; NEITHER DOTH CORRUPTION INHERIT INCORRUPTION-1 Cor 15:50.
(For we groan) AS WITH THE PAINS OF CHILDBIRTH...TO HAVE OUR WHOLE BODIES REDEEMED
AND SET FREE-Ro 8:22,23 JNT.32
FOR WE KNOW THAT IF OUR EARTHLY HOUSE OF THIS TABERNACLE WERE DISSOLVED, WE
HAVE A BUILDING OF GOD, AN HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS, ETERNAL IN THE HEAVENS.
FOR IN THIS WE GROAN, EARNESTLY DESIRING TO BE CLOTHED UPON WITH OUR HOUSE WHICH
IS FROM HEAVEN-2 Cor 5:1,2.
For THERE IS ONE GLORY OF THE SUN, AND ANOTHER GLORY OF THE
MOON, AND ANOTHER GLORY OF THE STARS: FOR ONE STAR DIFFERETH FROM ANOTHER STAR
IN GLORY. SO ALSO IS THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD. IT IS SOWN IN CORRUPTION;
IT IS RAISED IN INCORRUPTION: IT IS SOWN IN DISHONOUR; IT IS RAISED IN GLORY:
IT IS SOWN IN WEAKNESS; IT IS RAISED IN POWER: IT IS SOWN A NATURAL BODY; IT
IS RAISED A SPIRITUAL BODY. THERE IS A NATURAL BODY, AND THERE IS A SPIRITUAL
BODY. AND SO IT IS WRITTEN, THE FIRST MAN ADAM WAS MADE A LIVING SOUL; THE LAST
ADAM WAS MADE A QUICKENING SPIRIT. THE SPIRITUAL DID NOT COME FIRST, BUT THE
NATURAL, AND AFTER THAT THE SPIRITUAL-NIV. THE FIRST MAN IS OF THE EARTH, EARTHY:
THE SECOND MAN IS THE LORD FROM HEAVEN. AS IS THE EARTHY, SUCH ARE THEY ALSO
THAT ARE EARTHY: AND AS IS THE HEAVENLY, SUCH ARE THEY ALSO THAT ARE HEAVENLY.
AND AS WE HAVE BORNE THE IMAGE OF THE EARTHY, WE SHALL ALSO BEAR THE IMAGE OF
THE HEAVENLY-1 Cor 15:41-49. (And) WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM
AS HE IS-1 Jn 3:2.

For
those left back on the earth that were not taken in the Rapture, WOE UNTO THEM...IN
THOSE DAYS! FOR THERE SHALL BE GREAT DISTRESS IN THE LAND-Lk 21:23. For they
were left behind, because they would not repent. It is written, BEHOLD, I WILL
CAST HER...AND THEM...INTO GREAT TRIBULATION, EXCEPT THEY REPENT-Rev
2:22.
The saints that were watching and trusting in Jesus were
raptured. It is written, EVEN JESUS, WHICH DELIVERED US FROM THE WRATH TO COME
(or the Tribulation)-1 Thes 1:10; AND SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD-1 Thes
4:17.

4-THE
RAPTURE

The
word "rapture" does not appear in the King James Version of
the Bible. However, it is a word that symbolizes such biblical terms as the
translation, caught up, our gathering together unto Him, and some other terms
which are used in God’s Word. The words, "translate" or "translation"
mean to carry away, remove, transport, change sides, transferral; thus, translation
or rapture.

It
is a term used to describe the removal from the earth of all living people that
have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The Scriptures show us
that in the twinkling of an eye, all over the earth, all people whom Jesus "knows"
will be removed from the earth to be with Him.
It will be as in the days of Noah, when all those that trusted
in God were removed before the flood came. The raptured people will never know
death (or sleep). In the twinkling of an eye, they will be changed and will
be with Jesus in a new incorruptible body.

5-HAS
THERE EVER BEEN A RAPTURE BEFORE?

The
answer is yes. It is written, AND ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD: AND HE WAS NOT; FOR
GOD TOOK HIM-Gen 5:24. It is also written, BY FAITH ENOCH WAS TRANSLATED THAT
HE SHOULD NOT SEE DEATH-Heb 11:5. The Bible also tells us in 2 Ki 2:1-12, how
Elijah was translated. We also see John in the Spirit on the Lord’s day-ref
Rev 4:1. Jesus was taken up-ref Acts 1:9.

6-THE
TWO QUESTIONS

1.
At what point in the last generation does the Rapture come?
2. What happens to a person’s body when he is raptured?

7-QUESTION
ONE: WHEN WILL THE RAPTURE COME IN RELATION TO THE OTHER EVENTS?
(THE MOST RENOWNED SCHOLARS)

Among
the ten best known, born-again Bible prophecy scholars in the world, at the
time this was written, beginning with Hal Lindsey, all
without exception (to our knowledge) are convinced by God’s Word that the Rapture
will come before the Antichrist is revealed and the Tribulation begins.
Of the ten best known, born-again evangelists in the world,
at this time, all without exception (to our knowledge) are convinced by God’s
Word that the Rapture will come before the Antichrist is revealed and the Tribulation
begins.

8-CONFUSION
AND MAKING GOD’S WORD OF NO EFFECT

Why
then does there seem to be confusion among some people on this subject? The
answer is clear. GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION-1 Cor 14:33. Satan is the
author of confusion.
Some people hold the incorrect position that the Rapture
will take place in the midst of the Tribulation. Some hold the misguided position
that the Rapture will come at the end of the Tribulation. Others hold the mistaken
position that the Rapture will come after the Tribulation, and there are others
who hold yet a different position. There are some misguided people who do not
believe there will be a Rapture. They do not believe that Jesus will actually
return as the King of kings and the Lord of lords, as the Scriptures clearly
point out. They do not believe there will be a period called the Tribulation.
Others believe that Jesus returned about 1800 years ago, and still others about
100 years ago.
No matter how famous a Bible teacher is, or how anointed
he appears to be, or how much he proclaims the Gospel, when there is confusion
on a major Bible subject, such as the Rapture, which is clearly and unmistakably
stated in the Bible, something is wrong.
A person that believes the Rapture will come during or after
the Tribulation, also may not "even begin" to understand what the
Tribulation will really be like. There has never been in the history of the
earth a time, either before the flood or after, that will be as bad as what
is soon to come. It is written, FOR THEN SHALL BE GREAT TRIBULATION, SUCH AS
WAS NOT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD TO THIS TIME, NO, NOR EVER SHALL BE.
AND EXCEPT THOSE DAYS SHOULD BE SHORTENED, THERE SHOULD NO FLESH BE SAVED: BUT
FOR THE ELECT’S SAKE THOSE DAYS SHALL BE SHORTENED-Mt 24:21,22.
These people usually do not understand the trumpet judgments
and when they will occur. Some mistakenly try to associate the Rapture with
the seventh trumpet of Rev 11:15. They may not consider the blowing of the trumpets
in Numbers chapter ten. The words "trump" or "trumpet" or
"trumpets" appear in the Bible app. 114 times. Several different Hebrew
and Greek words are used.
They may not understand the seven feasts of Israel and their
significance. They may not understand the biblical reasons for the Rapture.
They may not understand the Jewish marriage customs. Neither do they usually
understand that there will be very few people left alive after the Battle of
Armageddon. For some reason, many Scriptures are not understood correctly by
these people.
The Scriptures clearly show that the born-again saints are
to understand the Bible regarding the times which would precede the Tribulation.
Then, knowing and understanding the times, they are to watch and be ready for
the Rapture. As it is written, LOOKING (which can also mean watching) FOR THAT
BLESSED HOPE, AND THE GLORIOUS APPEARING OF THE GREAT GOD AND OUR SAVIOR JESUS
CHRIST-Titus 2:13. Regarding the Rapture, it is written, WHEREFORE COMFORT ONE
ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS-1 Thes 4:18. We are not to watch for the Tribulation,
but for the blessed hope. In watching for the blessed hope, we are comforted.
God forbid, there would not be comfort, if we had to go into the Tribulation.
By watching for the Tribulation, instead of the blessed hope,
we nullify the Word of God. To watch for the Tribulation, is to watch for the
most horrible time in the history of the world. To think that one would enter
this utterly terrifying period, when many will be killed, would mean the Christian
would live a life of fear. During the Tribulation, those who receive Jesus Christ
will not have power to stand against the Antichrist.
The saints will be given into the hand of the Antichrist.
As it is written, I BEHELD, AND THE SAME HORN (the Antichrist) MADE WAR WITH
THE SAINTS, AND PREVAILED AGAINST THEM-Dan 7:21. AND HE...SHALL WEAR OUT THE
SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH...THEY SHALL BE GIVEN INTO HIS HAND UNTIL A TIME AND
TIMES AND THE DIVIDING OF TIME-Dan 7:25.
Most saints that get saved, during the Tribulation, can expect
to be horribly persecuted, beaten, and then killed by being beheaded.
Those that teach the Rapture will not come prior to the Tribulation,
as already mentioned, are making certain Scriptures of no effect. They are not
teaching the people to watch for the "blessed hope," that is, the
return of Jesus to take "His" people. They are not teaching others
to watch as God commands.
Those that teach the Rapture will not come prior to the Tribulation
are making God’s Word of no effect (null and void). This is exactly what Satan
wants to do.
The Scriptures show that we are to watch. Those who do not
teach that the Rapture will soon come are, in effect, teaching a form of rebellion
against God’s commands.

9-COMMANDS
TO WATCH

The
watchman is to warn the people. Teachers of the Bible are watchmen. Ministers
are watchmen. The saints are watchmen. A person watches for things they believe
will happen. They believe these things will happen, because there is evidence
of some kind. We watch, because the Bible tells us of certain events that will
come to pass. It gives us certain things to watch for. We watch, because God
commands us to do so. When certain events come to pass, we are to warn others
of what is yet to come. We warn them to prepare themselves. We warn the people,
so they may not perish. If they choose not to believe and heed the warning,
their blood is upon themselves. But if we are unfaithful and do not warn the
people, their blood is upon us as watchmen.
Ezek 3:17-I HAVE MADE THEE A WATCHMAN.
Ezek 33:7-I HAVE SET THEE A WATCHMAN…WARN THEM.
Mt 24:42-WATCH THEREFORE.
Mt 25:13-WATCH THEREFORE.
Mt 26:41-WATCH AND PRAY, THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION.
Mk 13:33-WATCH AND PRAY.
Mk 13:34-A MAN...COMMANDED THE PORTER TO WATCH.
Mk 13:35-WATCH YE THEREFORE.
Mk 13:37-AND WHAT I SAY UNTO YOU I SAY UNTO ALL, WATCH.
Mk 14:38-WATCH YE AND PRAY, LEST YE ENTER INTO TEMPTATION.
Lk 21:36-WATCH YE THEREFORE, AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY
BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS.
1 Thes 5:6-LET US NOT SLEEP, AS DO OTHERS; BUT LET US WATCH.
Rev 3:3-IF...THOU SHALT NOT WATCH, I WILL COME ON THEE AS
A THIEF, AND THOU SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR I WILL COME UPON THEE.
Mt 24:43-IF THE GOODMAN...HAD KNOWN...HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED.
Lk 12:39-IF THE GOODMAN...HAD KNOWN...HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED.
Lk 12:37-BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS, WHOM THE LORD WHEN HE
COMETH SHALL FIND WATCHING.
Lk 12:40-BE YE THEREFORE READY.
Heb 9:28-SO CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY;
AND UNTO THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM SHALL HE APPEAR THE SECOND TIME.
Regarding the Rapture, it is written, 1 Thes 4:18-WHEREFORE
COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS.
How can a person watch, if they cannot read and their minister
does not tell them these things? Many fulfilled prophecies indicate the Tribulation
is very close. The Tribulation is preceded by the Rapture.

10-THE
WATCHMAN

WHEN
I BRING THE SWORD UPON A LAND, IF THE PEOPLE OF THE LAND TAKE A MAN OF THEIR
COASTS, AND SET HIM FOR THEIR WATCHMAN: IF WHEN HE SEETH THE SWORD COME UPON
THE LAND, HE BLOW THE TRUMPET, AND WARN THE PEOPLE; THEN WHOSOEVER HEARETH THE
SOUND OF THE TRUMPET, AND TAKETH NOT WARNING; IF THE SWORD COME, AND TAKE HIM
AWAY, HIS BLOOD SHALL BE UPON HIS OWN HEAD. HE HEARD THE SOUND OF THE TRUMPET,
AND TOOK NOT WARNING; HIS BLOOD SHALL BE UPON HIM. BUT HE THAT TAKETH WARNING
SHALL DELIVER HIS SOUL.
BUT IF THE WATCHMAN SEE THE SWORD COME, AND BLOW NOT THE
TRUMPET, AND THE PEOPLE BE NOT WARNED; IF THE SWORD COME, AND TAKE ANY PERSON
FROM AMONG THEM, HE IS TAKEN AWAY IN HIS INIQUITY; BUT HIS BLOOD WILL I REQUIRE
AT THE WATCHMAN’S HAND-Ezek 33:2-6.
We are in the latter day generation (or period of time) that
will see the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the return of Jesus to this earth
with power and great glory.
The sword shall come during the Tribulation. Nevertheless,
God has made a way for His people to escape. It is called the Rapture. The people
that God has called to be watchmen are themselves being warned by God to warn
others of what is coming. They are being admonished to tell the people to watch
and be ready. They need to tell the people what to watch for. They are being
exhorted not to let their house be broken up. If they are faithful and obey
God, then they are pure from the blood of all men-ref Acts 20:26,27.
However, when the Rapture comes, and the Tribulation follows,
and Jesus returns, if the watchman did not warn the people, then the blood of
those whom he should have warned that perished, God will require at the watchman’s
hand.To that teacher of the Bible or saint that God has called
to be a watchman, woe to him, if he does not warn the people. Some will not warn the people, because they fear what
others will say about them. They fear certain people in their church, or denomination,
or others. They do not want to be ridiculed and persecuted, or even fired from
their position. Woe to the fearful and unbelieving, as they do not believe they
will perish, even though, it is written, BUT THE FEARFUL, AND UNBELIEVING...SHALL
HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE-Rev 21:8.
Few people, in this latter day generation, are watching.
Many know nothing about such events as the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the
second coming of Jesus. Many others deny there will be a Rapture. Many deny
there will be a Tribulation. Many deny Jesus Christ will physically return to
this earth. Others believe in these events, but make an excuse, such as, "No
man knows." They make light of it and convince themselves that it is a
long way off. Only a very few believe these things will come to pass shortly.
Only a very few are watching and ready.

11-SOUND
BIBLICAL REASONS SHOWING THE RAPTURE
IS DURING OR AFTER THE TRIBULATION

1.
There are none.

12-SOUND
BIBLICAL REASONS SHOWING THE RAPTURE
IS PRIOR TO THE TRIBULATION

1.
The saints are commanded to watch. They are not commanded to watch for the Tribulation,
but for the blessed hope, which is the Rapture. Scriptures proving this have
already been covered in the previous text. If the saints were to go through
the Tribulation, it would contradict and nullify God’s Word.

2.
Of the saints that get saved during the Tribulation, most will be greatly persecuted
and killed. The few that survive will go into the Millennium to repopulate the
earth. If the Rapture came after the Tribulation, there would be no saints to
go into the Millennium. This would make the fulfillment of God’s Word on this
subject, impossible.

3.
The judgment of the nations, mentioned in Matthew chapter twenty-five, is held
immediately after the Tribulation and Armageddon. If the Rapture had just happened,
there would be no "sheep" at this judgment. As it is written, AND
HE SHALL SET THE SHEEP ON HIS RIGHT HAND, BUT THE GOATS ON THE LEFT-Mt 25:33.
The sheep are those that are saved. The goats are the unsaved. Again, God’s
Word could not be fulfilled, if the Rapture came after the Tribulation.

4.
If the church were to go through the Tribulation, it would contradict many verses
in the Bible. Most of the saints will be beheaded. The Bible clearly shows,
the Antichrist will prevail against the saints. Anyone that claims the church
will go through the Tribulation does not appear to understand what the Tribulation
will really be like. Very few people will be left alive afterward. If Jesus
did not come back exactly when He does, there should no flesh be left alive.
The Scriptures on this were covered in the preceding text.

5.
It is written, WHEREFORE COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS-1 Thes
4:18. If we were watching for the horrible Tribulation period, we would not
be comforted. We would be terrified. This Scripture could not be fulfilled,
if the saints were to go into the Tribulation period.

13

6.
It is written, AND WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO COME TO PASS, THEN LOOK UP, AND
LIFT UP YOUR HEADS; FOR YOUR REDEMPTION (or your being caught up) DRAWETH NIGH-Lk
21:28. In Luke chapter 21, events of the Tribulation are described. Verse 28
shows that when these events begin to happen, after Israel’s rebirth, then we
are to know that the Rapture is about to happen. Note, it did not say, when
they "have" happened, but when they "begin" to happen. They
begin to happen as birth pangs of a woman about to have a child. Again, if a
person was going to go through the Tribulation, the wording of this verse would
be inaccurate.

7.
It is written, BLESSED IS THAT SERVANT, WHOM HIS LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND
SO DOING (which denotes working for, or serving God)-Lk 12:43. The Scriptures
clearly show that during the Tribulation a time will come when the saints will
not be able to work. As it is written, I MUST WORK THE WORKS OF HIM THAT SENT
ME, WHILE IT IS DAY: THE NIGHT COMETH (which represents the Tribulation), WHEN
NO MAN CAN WORK-Jn 9:4. This Scripture of the Lord appearing at the Rapture
very clearly shows that it happens before the Tribulation. During the Tribulation,
especially the second part, it will be nearly impossible to work; before the
Rapture comes, the saints can be working. Verse 45 confirms it is the period
prior to the Rapture when people are saying, MY LORD DELAYETH HIS COMING. This
same message is confirmed in Mt 24:45-48.

8.
The seven feasts of Israel give us God’s timetable. These are covered in Lev
chapter 23.
In the Bible, the number seven is used to mean "total"
or "completeness." It seems evident that all Bible doctrine and prophecy
are founded in these feasts. They reveal the time for the fulfillment of Jesus
Christ’s crucifixion, His coming again, and the millennial Kingdom.
The following chart gives a brief example of what is being
said. These events occurred on the exact dates that God had set over 1400 years
before Jesus was born. Keep in mind that the Jewish day begins in the evening
(near dusk), on the previous day. Feasts appear in the order that God gave them
(Lev 23).

l. Passover

Fourteenth day of
the first month. Jesus was crucified. Jesus became our Passover (fulfilled).

2. Unleavened
Bread

Fifteenth day of the
first month. Jesus buried. The middle loaf of bread is hidden or buried
(fulfilled).

3. Firstfruits

Sunday following Unleavened
Bread. Jesus resurrected. He became the Firstfruits of them that died
(fulfilled).

4. Pentecost

Also called Feast
of Weeks in the Old Testament. Fiftieth day after Firstfruits. The Holy
Spirit came in His fullness (fulfilled).

5. Trumpets

First day of the seventh
month. The Rapture (not yet fulfilled). Next major event.

6. Atonement

Tenth day of the seventh
month. Repentance of Israel. When they shall look upon Him, Whom they
have pierced (not yet fulfilled).

7. Tabernacles

Fifteenth day of the
seventh month. The coming state of rest. Jesus reigns on earth for one
thousand years (not yet fulfilled).

It
should be noted that these seven feasts were observed on specific days. When
Jesus came the first time, He fulfilled the first three feasts on the precise
days and in the same order that God had given them. The fourth feast was also
fulfilled ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, when He sent the Holy Spirit
on Pentecost. The last three feasts are awaiting fulfillment and are associated
with events surrounding His second coming. Please note that when Jesus returns
the second time, there are actually two phases to His coming: 1) before the
Tribulation, He comes in the clouds to rapture the saints-ref 1 Thes 4:16,17;
and 2) after the Tribulation, He physically returns to the earth, and every
eye shall see Him-ref Mt 24:29,30; Zech 12:10. The next feast to be fulfilled
is Trumpets; the next event to be fulfilled on God’s prophetic timetable is
the Rapture. In the wilderness account, there were two trumpets blown, the first
one and the last one. The first trumpet was for the gathering or calling of
the people; the second (or last) was for the people to move out.
AND THE LORD SPAKE UNTO MOSES, SAYING, MAKE THEE TWO TRUMPETS
OF SILVER; OF A WHOLE PIECE SHALT THOU MAKE THEM: THAT THOU MAYEST USE THEM
FOR THE CALLING OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND FOR THE JOURNEYING OF THE CAMPS-Num 10:1,2.
Note, there are two.
There are two events in the Rapture. It is written, FOR THE
LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN WITH A SHOUT, WITH THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL,
AND WITH THE TRUMP OF GOD. The first event is, AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL
RISE FIRST. The second event is, THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE
CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR: AND
SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD-1 Thes 4:16,17.
It should also be noted that there is a cry made (a notification
or to call aloud), alerting the virgins that the Bridegroom is coming; afterward,
they "move out" or are taken-ref Mt 25:6.
Did God give us the day of the year, when the Rapture
will happen, as He did for Jesus to be crucified, to be buried, to rise from
the dead, and the coming of the fullness of the Holy Spirit? The answer is,
clearly, yes.
This shows clearly that the Rapture does not happen after
the Tribulation.
The name of each feast gives us a clue to what the fulfillment
of that feast would be.
The Feast of Passover was fulfilled on God’s exact date,
when Jesus became our Passover Lamb. As it is written, BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD,
WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD-Jn 1:29.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread was fulfilled, when Jesus (representing
the middle loaf that is hidden) was buried on this exact date. Unleavened bread
represents no sin. Jesus was called the Bread of life and was without sin.
The Feast of Firstfruits was fulfilled on God’s exact date,
when Jesus became the Firstfruits out of the grave. He rose from the dead.
The Feast of Pentecost was fulfilled on God’s exact date,
when the Holy Spirit came in His fullness upon the chosen disciples. This marked
the beginning of the summer wheat harvest; the firstfruits of the second harvest
are offered at this feast.
The next feast is the Feast of Trumpets. The next major event
to look for is the Rapture, which involves the blowing of trumpets.
God has set specific dates for certain events to happen to
fulfill His Word.

9.
In the Revelation, the church is mentioned many times. However, after Rev 3:22,
the words "church and churches" do not appear again as referring to
a church present on the earth. The seven churches previous to chapter four represent
"completeness." They are described as candlesticks. It is written,
AND THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS WHICH THOU SAWEST ARE THE SEVEN CHURCHES-Rev 1:20.
A bit further on in the Revelation, the events of the Tribulation begin to unfold,
which clearly denote the church is gone.

10.
The seven churches (which represent the entire church age) are covered in Rev
chapter 2 through Rev chapter 3:22. The very next verses indicate the Rapture.
As it is written, AFTER THIS (or after the seventh church) I LOOKED, AND, BEHOLD,
A DOOR WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN: AND THE FIRST VOICE WHICH I HEARD WAS AS IT WERE
OF A TRUMPET TALKING WITH ME; WHICH SAID, COME UP HITHER, AND I WILL SHOW THEE
THINGS WHICH MUST BE HEREAFTER-Rev 4:1. (Hereafter, what?) What was the Bible
just talking about? "the seven churches." After the seven churches
comes the Rapture of the church. From this point on, no church is ever mentioned
as being present on the earth during the Tribulation. The only thing mentioned
is the "great harlot," which is an abomination before God and shall
be destroyed sometime during the Tribulation.

11.
The evangelizing of the earth during the Tribulation is clearly given to the
144,000 male, virgin Jewish saints from the twelve tribes of Israel-ref Rev
7 and 14. These come forth during the first part of the Tribulation. They will
preach the EVERLASTING GOSPEL and the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM-ref Rev 14:6 and
Mt 24:14. It is written, AND THIS GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM SHALL BE PREACHED IN
ALL THE WORLD FOR A WITNESS UNTO ALL NATIONS; AND THEN SHALL THE END COME. There
is absolutely no mention of the church evangelizing the earth at all during
the Tribulation. If the church were present, the Scriptures concerning the 144,000
would undoubtedly be incorrect.

12.
Ten times in the Revelation the word "wrath" is mentioned as pertaining
to the Tribulation. It is written, WRATH OF THE LAMB-Rev 6:16; THE GREAT DAY
OF HIS WRATH IS COME-Rev 6:17; AND THY WRATH IS COME-Rev 11:18; THE SAME SHALL
DRINK OF THE WINE OF THE WRATH OF GOD-Rev 14:10; OF THE WRATH OF GOD-Rev 14:19;
IN THEM IS FILLED UP THE WRATH OF GOD-Rev 15:1; WRATH OF GOD-Rev 15:7; POUR
OUT THE VIALS OF THE WRATH OF GOD UPON THE EARTH-Rev 16:1; FIERCENESS OF HIS
WRATH-Rev 16:19; FIERCENESS AND WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD-Rev 19:15.
Now, we read, FOR GOD HATH NOT APPOINTED US (the saints)
TO WRATH-1 Thes 5:9. The verse concludes by saying, BUT TO OBTAIN SALVATION
BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. These verses are unmistakably clear. If a person belongs
to Jesus, they will not see the wrath of God. Many times in the Scriptures the
term, "the wrath of God," is applied to the Tribulation.
It is written, EVEN JESUS, WHICH DELIVERED US FROM THE WRATH
TO COME (which is the Tribulation)-1 Thes 1:10. What is the "wrath to come?"
The Bible has just told us ten times about the wrath of God in the Tribulation.
It is also written, THEREFORE BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD
THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. MUCH MORE THEN, BEING NOW JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD,
WE SHALL BE SAVED FROM WRATH THROUGH HIM-Ro 5:1,9. Further, it is written, AND
HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE; BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH
ON HIM-Jn 3:36. The Scriptures are very clear. The Tribulation is a time of
God’s wrath. The saints will be delivered from the wrath to come. Even a little
child should be able to understand this clearly.
Other biblical words that are associated with the Tribulation
or Armageddon are: cruel, trouble, distress, wasteness, desolation, darkness,
gloominess, clouds, thick darkness, blood, vengeance, destruction, fierce anger,
fire, jealousy, revengeth, furious, arrows drunk with blood, sword, devour flesh,
terrible, great distress, men’s hearts failing them for fear, powers of heaven
shall be shaken, wars, great earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and fearful
signs. This is only a partial list.

13.
In Lk 21:8-26, many of the verses are dealing with the Tribulation. Then Jesus
gives us a command: PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL
THESE THINGS-Lk 21:36. We may ask, "Escape all what things?" The answer
is, all those things that have been described, which includes the Tribulation.
In other words, the saints are to pray that they are accounted worthy to escape
the Tribulation by being raptured. The Rapture is covered in verse 28.

14.
What a temptation it will be as the people come face to face with death
or worshipping the image of the beast! What a temptation it will be to have
a newborn baby starving in your arms, as you cannot buy or sell without the
mark of the beast! Will a mother watch her baby slowly starve to death, or take
the mark? Will a person stand by and watch as their loved ones are beheaded,
and then themselves, or will they give in and worship the image? Most people
will do nearly anything when their life is at stake. What a day of temptation
it will be! The Bible calls the Tribulation, THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION-Rev 3:10.
Once Noah was safe, then the flood came. God waited until
Noah and his family were able to escape the terrible judgment that was about
to come upon the earth. It is written, GOD WAITED IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, WHILE
THE ARK WAS A PREPARING-1 Pe 3:20; FOR IF GOD...SPARED NOT THE OLD WORLD, BUT
SAVED NOAH THE EIGHTH PERSON-2 Pe 2:4,5; THE LORD KNOWETH HOW TO DELIVER THE
GODLY OUT OF TEMPTATIONS-2 Pe 2:9. We may say, the Lord knows how to deliver
the saints out of the Tribulation and its temptations.

15.
The Tribulation is a great time of temptation. When a person prays the Lord’s
prayer, do they not pray the following?
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL-Mt
6:13.
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL-Lk
11:4.
WATCH AND PRAY, THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION-Mt 26:41.
WATCH YE AND PRAY, LEST YE ENTER INTO TEMPTATION-Mk 14:38.
HE SAID UNTO THEM, PRAY THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION-Lk
22:40.

16.
Again, the next verse is unmistakably clear. The saints that keep God’s Word
will absolutely, beyond any doubt, not go into the Tribulation. It is written,
BECAUSE THOU HAST KEPT THE WORD. That bears repeating: BECAUSE THOU HAST KEPT
THE WORD OF MY PATIENCE (note the next words) I ALSO WILL. God is giving a promise
that He will do something for those that have kept "His" Word. I ALSO
WILL KEEP THEE FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION (which is the Tribulation), WHICH
SHALL COME UPON ALL THE WORLD, TO TRY THEM THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH-Rev 3:10.
Again, even a little child can understand this.

17.
The next verse also is extremely clear. If a person repents, they will not go
into the Great Tribulation. If they do not repent, they will go into the Great
Tribulation. It is written, BEHOLD, I WILL CAST HER...AND THEM...INTO GREAT
TRIBULATION, EXCEPT THEY REPENT-Rev 2:22.

18.
It is written, HASTE THEE, ESCAPE THITHER; FOR I CANNOT DO ANY THING TILL THOU
BE COME THITHER-Gen 19:22. The Lord is saying, I cannot do anything till the
righteous are taken out of the way. Then the judgments shall come. THEN THE
LORD RAINED UPON SODOM AND UPON GOMORRAH BRIMSTONE AND FIRE FROM THE LORD OUT
OF HEAVEN-Gen 19:24. In the same manner, the Lord will rain His wrath upon the
inhabitants of the earth during the Tribulation, after the righteous are removed
by the Rapture.

19.
It is written, NOW WE BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN, BY THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST, AND BY OUR GATHERING TOGETHER UNTO HIM (which is the Rapture). LET NO
MAN DECEIVE YOU BY ANY MEANS: FOR THAT DAY SHALL NOT COME, EXCEPT THERE COME
A FALLING AWAY FIRST, AND THAT MAN OF SIN BE REVEALED, THE SON OF PERDITION.
AND NOW YE KNOW WHAT WITHHOLDETH THAT HE MIGHT BE REVEALED IN HIS TIME-2 Thes
2:1,3,6.
AND NOW YE KNOW. The people are being told that they know
something. That something is, WHAT WITHHOLDETH (or what is restraining, or holding
the Antichrist back). Paul had apparently clearly explained what it was that
was withholding the Antichrist from coming forth.
Paul is assuring the people that the Antichrist is still
being held back from being revealed until something happens. That something
is very clearly stated. Verses one through three have shown us an order of events.
First, there had to come a falling away. Religious deception was also alluded
to. Second, the saints had to be gathered unto Jesus in the Rapture. Third,
the Antichrist could then be revealed. From these words of God, the people could
know what was holding back the Antichrist from coming forth. The falling away
had to occur. Then the Rapture had to take place. Until the "catching
away" of God’s people comes, the Antichrist shall not be revealed, which
is "seal one." Once the Antichrist is revealed, then the signing of
the covenant with Israel can occur-ref Dan 9:27. This begins the Tribulation.
THAT HE (the Antichrist) MIGHT BE REVEALED IN HIS (proper)
TIME. There is a specific time for the Antichrist to be revealed. There is a
specific time for the Rapture to happen.
These Scriptures show very clearly that the Rapture must
come first, and only then will the Antichrist be allowed to come forth and
the Tribulation begin.

20.
FOR THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY (or secret power of lawlessness) DOTH ALREADY WORK
(or is already at work): ONLY HE WHO NOW LETTETH (or is restraining) WILL LET,
UNTIL HE BE TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY (the one who now holds it back will continue
to do so till he is taken out of the way-NIV). AND THEN SHALL THAT WICKED (or
lawless one) BE REVEALED-2 Thes 2:7,8.
FOR THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY (or secret power of lawlessness)
DOTH ALREADY WORK (or is already at work). The mysterious, hidden power that
is behind wickedness or sin, and the planned coming forth of the Antichrist
is already working to accomplish its purpose. Satan and his kingdom are already
at work.
ONLY "HE" WHO NOW LETTETH (or is restraining) WILL
LET (or will continue to do so-NIV), UNTIL "HE" BE TAKEN OUT OF THE
WAY.
To paraphrase this verse, it is saying that someone ("he")
is holding back, or restraining the Antichrist from being revealed, or from
being let loose, or coming forth until that someone ("he") is taken
out of the way or is removed.
The "he" in this verse is much debated among Bible
scholars. God’s Word has shown the Rapture of the saints must occur and then
the Antichrist can be let loose or come forth and be revealed. Some may say
the "he" represents the church. Others may say the "he"
represents the Holy Spirit. Others may say the "he" represents the
restraining power of the Holy Spirit that is in the believers. There are other
opinions as well.
There is no question that the Holy Spirit will not leave
the earth, because people cannot be saved apart from the Holy Spirit. Multitudes
of people will be saved during the Tribulation, which follows the Antichrist
coming forth. So it would appear that the "he" would represent the
restraining power of the Holy Spirit that is in the believers. The Holy Spirit
does appear to be holding back the Antichrist from being revealed; however,
there is a day coming when it appears that He will let the Antichrist come forth.
"He will be taken out of the way," perhaps, means that His restraining
power will be taken out of the way. Thus, the Scriptures can be fulfilled.
As a result, when the church is raptured, immediately the
Antichrist should come forth and be revealed, in order to initiate his plan
to dominate the world. AND THEN, once the saints have been raptured, SHALL THAT
WICKED (or lawless one), which is the Antichrist, BE REVEALED. The Antichrist
will be allowed to come forth, be revealed, and confirm a covenant with Israel
which begins the Tribulation-2 Thes 2:7,8; ref Dan 9:27.
Again, the Scriptures are showing us clearly, the Rapture
comes before the Antichrist is revealed and before the Tribulation.

21.
As we have noted, the dead in Christ rise first, then we which are alive and
remain shall join them in the air. Since the Scriptures show us that the resurrection
happens prior to the Tribulation, then we have absolute proof that the Rapture,
which immediately follows, also has to happen before the Tribulation.
Isa 26:19-21 shows very clearly, the dead (in Christ) shall
live "before" the Lord comes to punish the inhabitants of the earth
for their iniquity, which is the Tribulation. It is written, THY DEAD MEN SHALL
LIVE, TOGETHER WITH MY DEAD BODY SHALL THEY ARISE. AWAKE AND SING, YE
THAT DWELL IN DUST: FOR THY DEW IS AS THE DEW OF HERBS, AND THE EARTH
SHALL CAST OUT THE DEAD. COME, MY PEOPLE, ENTER THOU INTO THY CHAMBERS,
AND SHUT THY DOORS ABOUT THEE: HIDE THYSELF AS IT WERE FOR A LITTLE MOMENT,
UNTIL THE INDIGNATION (which is the Tribulation) BE OVERPAST.
FOR, BEHOLD, THE LORD COMETH OUT OF HIS PLACE TO PUNISH THE INHABITANTS
OF THE EARTH FOR THEIR INIQUITY.
Twenty-one reasons have come forth that scripturally show
the Rapture will come prior to the Tribulation. Some of these have also shown
that the Rapture must come before the Antichrist can be revealed.

22.
The following Scriptures portray the raptured saints before the throne of God
prior to the first seal of the Revelation being opened. This, again, clearly
shows the Rapture comes before the Tribulation. It is written, AND THEY SUNG
A NEW SONG, SAYING, THOU ART WORTHY TO TAKE THE BOOK (or scroll), AND TO OPEN
(or break) THE SEALS THEREOF: FOR THOU WAST SLAIN (or slaughtered), AND HAST
REDEEMED (or ransomed, or purchased) US TO (or for) GOD BY THY BLOOD OUT OF
EVERY KINDRED (or tribe), AND TONGUE (or language), AND PEOPLE, AND NATION;
AND HAST MADE US UNTO OUR GOD KINGS (or a kingdom) AND PRIESTS (to serve our
God): AND WE SHALL REIGN ON (or rule over) THE EARTH. AND I BEHELD, AND I HEARD
THE VOICE OF MANY ANGELS ROUND ABOUT THE THRONE (or they encircled the throne)
AND THE BEASTS (or living beings) AND THE ELDERS: AND THE NUMBER OF THEM WAS
TEN THOUSAND TIMES TEN THOUSAND, AND THOUSANDS OF THOUSANDS-Rev 5:9-11.
AND THEY SUNG A NEW SONG. The four living beings and the
elders appear to be singing. SAYING, THOU ART WORTHY TO TAKE THE BOOK (or scroll),
AND TO OPEN (or break) THE SEALS THEREOF. In this passage, taking the scroll
and breaking the seals is mentioned. Opening the scroll is not mentioned at
this point. FOR THOU WAST SLAIN (or slaughtered). Jesus was worthy, because
He was slain and has redeemed (or purchased, or ransomed) us (the saints). As
it is written, AND HAST REDEEMED (or ransomed, or purchased) US. Here
are the saints (US) pictured before the throne of God BEFORE the first seal
is ever opened. Here are the saints that have just been raptured (US). We
are redeemed TO (or for) GOD BY THY BLOOD. Angels are not ransomed by the blood
of the Lamb. We (the saints) are. Where do we (the saints) come from? We come
OUT OF EVERY KINDRED (or tribe), AND TONGUE (or language), AND PEOPLE, AND NATION.
It is impossible for these to be angels, as the angels do not come from every
kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. John heard the voice, COME UP HITHER-Rev
4:1, which is symbolic of the Rapture. The church age is over. Now, John is
relating what he is seeing. John sees "us." As it is written,
Rev 5:10-AND HAST MADE US. Here is the second time
this word is used. That word means exactly what it says, "US."
Now combine this with the words of Rev 3:10-BECAUSE THOU
HAST KEPT THE WORD OF MY PATIENCE, I ALSO WILL KEEP THEE FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION
(which is the Tribulation), WHICH SHALL COME UPON ALL THE WORLD, TO TRY THEM
THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH. Here is clear, unmistakable proof that the saints
will not go into the Tribulation. They shall be raptured and shall
be before the throne of God prior to the first seal being opened. Thus, it is
written, and thus, it shall be. The question is, how many are really ready?
If Jesus came today, would "you" be taken? The verse continues, and has made US UNTO OUR GOD KINGS
AND PRIESTS (to serve our God). We are a kingdom unto God and shall be kings
and priests AND WE SHALL REIGN ON (or rule over) THE EARTH. There are
those that may say, this verse does not mean exactly what it says. The singing
in the verse now turns to the future and shows that we (the saints) shall reign
on the earth. This is describing the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, as we
shall reign and rule with Jesus for one thousand years. Here the word "we"
is used as referring to the "saints." Here again, "we" (the
saints) are pictured before the throne of God prior to the first seal ever being
opened.
Rev 5:11-AND I BEHELD, AND I HEARD THE VOICE OF MANY ANGELS.
The voices now include the angels, which were ROUND ABOUT THE THRONE (they encircled
the throne) AND THE BEASTS (or living beings) AND THE ELDERS.
The question arises, are these angels, or are they the saints
that are now called angels? The singing that has just been going on used such
words as, "redeemed us, made us, and we shall." If these words were
correctly translated by the direction of the Holy Spirit, then the angels before
the throne appear to be the saints. Consider the following: I JOHN...FELL DOWN
TO WORSHIP BEFORE THE FEET OF THE ANGEL WHICH SHEWED ME THESE THINGS. THEN SAITH
HE UNTO ME, SEE THOU DO IT NOT: FOR I AM THY FELLOWSERVANT, AND OF THY BRETHREN
THE PROPHETS-Rev 22:8,9. This same John, that used the word "angels"
in Rev 5:11, thought this person was also an angel, yet he was not. He was a
saint that had been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. We might ask, how can this
be? Note the words of Jesus. FOR IN THE RESURRECTION THEY NEITHER MARRY, NOR
ARE GIVEN IN MARRIAGE, BUT ARE AS THE ANGELS OF GOD IN HEAVEN-Mt 22:30. The
saints become as the angels.
John FELL AT HIS FEET TO WORSHIP what seemingly appeared
to be an angel. AND HE SAID UNTO ME, SEE THOU DO IT NOT: I AM THY FELLOWSERVANT,
AND OF THY BRETHREN THAT HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS-Rev 19:10. Again, we note
that once we are in heaven, Jesus said we are AS THE ANGELS OF GOD. However,
the true angels of God are not redeemed.
Considering the Scriptures and what was being said, it appears
the multitude of angels before the throne are the saints that were redeemed.
AND THE NUMBER OF THEM WAS TEN THOUSAND TIMES TEN THOUSAND,
AND THOUSANDS OF THOUSANDS. This totals to one hundred million, and thousands
of thousands. While this seems like a very large number, "if" this
represents the resurrected and raptured saints for all times, then the percentage
of people that are redeemed, throughout all of history, is extremely small.
Jesus did say, FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT-Mt 7:14. Some might say that this number
simply represents an infinite number which no man can know. Nevertheless, if
the number is taken as it is written in the KJV, then it appears to be as previously
stated.

17-WHAT
HAPPENS TO A PERSON’S BODY WHEN HE IS RAPTURED?

There
is no Scripture that clearly tells us what will happen to the bodies of the
raptured people. The Scriptures have shown us clearly that we will be changed.
It is written, WE SHALL BE CHANGED. FOR THIS CORRUPTIBLE MUST PUT ON INCORRUPTION,
AND THIS MORTAL MUST PUT ON IMMORTALITY-1 Cor 15:52,53; (because) FLESH AND
BLOOD CANNOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD; NEITHER DOTH CORRUPTION INHERIT
INCORRUPTION-1 Cor 15:50. FOR WE KNOW THAT IF OUR EARTHLY HOUSE OF THIS TABERNACLE
WERE DISSOLVED, WE HAVE A BUILDING OF GOD, AN HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS, ETERNAL
IN THE HEAVENS-2 Cor 5:1.
THERE IS A NATURAL BODY, AND THERE IS A SPIRITUAL
BODY-1 Cor 15:44. The Scriptures show us that there are two bodies. Our
earthly body is of flesh, blood, and bone. Our heavenly body is of flesh and
bone-ref Lk 24:39. AND THAT WHICH THOU SOWEST, THOU SOWEST NOT THAT
BODY THAT SHALL BE, BUT BARE GRAIN, IT MAY CHANCE OF WHEAT, OR OF SOME OTHER
GRAIN: BUT GOD GIVETH IT A BODY AS IT HATH PLEASED HIM, AND TO EVERY SEED HIS
OWN BODY-1 Cor 15:37,38. Again, two bodies are mentioned.
Most people and prophecy scholars alike believe that when
the Rapture comes, our old body will simply be changed into our new body. Thus,
there will be no bodies left. In other words, when the Rapture comes, the people
that are raptured will simply disappear.
There is a second opinion also. The second idea is, when
the Rapture comes our old body will be put off and we will put on our new heavenly
body. Our old body will be left lying wherever we are when the Rapture comes,
as if we had just died. It is written, TWO MEN SHALL BE IN THE FIELD; THE ONE
SHALL BE TAKEN, AND THE OTHER LEFT. AND THEY ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, WHERE,
LORD? AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, WHERESOEVER THE BODY IS, THITHER WILL THE EAGLES
(or vultures) BE GATHERED TOGETHER-Lk 17:36,37. The Lord seems to be showing
that following the Rapture, "Where there is a dead body, there the vultures
will gather" (NIV). There are also other opinions on the meaning of these
verses.

18-WARNING

It
is written, MY BRETHREN, BE NOT MANY MASTERS, KNOWING THAT WE SHALL RECEIVE
THE GREATER CONDEMNATION-Ja 3:1. This is a warning. Be not many "teachers,"
knowing that the teachers of the Bible shall receive the greater condemnation.
There are some teachers of the Bible in this lukewarm generation
that are falsely teaching that the Rapture will come during, at the end, or
after the Tribulation. The Scriptures have shown, beyond any doubt, that this
teaching is false. It nullifies God’s Word. It throws people into confusion.
It teaches a form of rebellion against some of God’s commands, e.g., we are
to watch, to look for the blessed hope, to be ready, and many others. It makes
the fulfillment of many Bible verses impossible, such as, who will repopulate
the earth during the Millennium, and the return of the saints with Jesus at
Armageddon, just to mention two. It would seem to nullify the Jewish marriage
customs and the seven feasts. It teaches a theory totally out of context with
many prophetic Scriptures. Those who teach something other than the Rapture
occurring prior to the Tribulation are teaching doctrine that is inconsistent
with sound biblical truth.
Since the days of Paul, the Rapture has always been viewed
as an event that could happen at any time. The saints were admonished to watch
and be ready, for the imminent return of Jesus Christ could happen at any time.
No event was to precede it, such as the Tribulation.
However, certain parts of the book of Daniel that were closed,
until the time of the end, have been opened and are now understood. Other prophecies
are also understood. These include Israel’s rebirth, a great military power
existing in the land of Magog, and the European Economic Community (also called
the revived Roman Empire). These and other prophecies that have been fulfilled
all indicate the Tribulation is very close. The Tribulation is preceded by the
Rapture.

19-A
FINAL NOTE:
HOW THE SAINTS WOULD REACT TO THE TRIBULATION,
IF THEY KNEW WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE

In
2 Thes 2:2, it is written, BE NOT SOON SHAKEN (or unsettled) IN MIND (or in
your thinking), OR BE TROUBLED (or alarmed)...AS THAT THE DAY OF CHRIST IS AT
HAND (or has already come). The saints were alarmed and troubled in their minds.
Because of false teaching, they may have thought they were in the Tribulation.
Perhaps from Paul’s teaching, the Old Testament, and Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s
writings, they understood how awful the Tribulation would be.
It is hoped that people might be able to understand that
the Tribulation will be the most horrifying, the most terrifying time that has
ever been on this earth since the Creation. There will be earthquakes, famines,
diseases, sores, pain, fear, droughts, wars, panic, death, and other things
of a magnitude that is beyond description. Billions of people will die. Multitudes
of people that get saved during the Tribulation can expect to be severely persecuted,
brutally beaten, and killed. It will be so bad, that had Jesus not returned
at the time He does, no flesh on earth would be left alive.
As has already been stated, any person that has the deceived
notion that the church will go through the Tribulation appears to be ignorant
of what the Tribulation will be like.
Through faith in Jesus Christ, the true saints will be raptured
prior to the Tribulation.
Beware. Let no man deceive you. This is the age of lukewarmness
and religious deception. It is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED-Mk
16:16. Know that Jesus BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM
THAT OBEY HIM-Heb 5:9.
It is unmistakably clear that the church will be taken in
the Rapture prior to the Tribulation, as proven by the numerous Scriptures that
have already been presented. WHEREFORE COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS-1
Thes 4:18.

20-JESUS
IS ANNOUNCED TO THE HUMBLE

It is lastly noted that the birth of Christ was not first announced to the great
men of the earth or to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, but to humble shepherds-ref
Lk 2:8-12. It is much the same today. The coming of Jesus to remove
His people from the earth, before the Antichrist comes forth and the Tribulation
begins, is not understood by what the world considers to be the great men or
the so- called religious leaders of the earth, but to the humble people, the
servants of God that have placed their faith and trust in the Jesus of the Bible
as their only hope.